Immunomodulatory effects of sevoflurane anesthesia in an experimental model of chronic asthma

Abstract

Sevoflurane is a volatile agent routinely used in anesthesia and recent investigations have reported its anti-inflammatory effects in acute lung injury experimental models. However, there are no studies, so far, examining the immunomodulatory effects of sevoflurane in a chronically inflamed and remodeled airway, such as that found in asthma. The aim of this study is to define the immunomodulatory effects of sevoflurane in a murine model of chronic asthma. For this purpose, lung histology and gene expression of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Methods: Twelve BALB/c mice (20-25 g) were randomly divided into four groups. In OVA groups, mice were sensitized with ovalbumin and exposed to repeated ovalbumin challenges. In SAL groups, mice received saline using the same protocol. Twenty-four hours after the last challenge, the animals were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (PENTO, 20 mg/kg i.p.) or sevoflurane (SEVO). We measured interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, tumor growth factor (TGF)-β, interferon (IFN)-γ, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA expression in right lung tissue using ribonuclease protection assay (RPA). Results: Detailed quantitation by densitometry analysis showed that OVASEVO group presented lower levels of IL-6 (35%), TNF-α (46%), and TGF-β (39%) than OVAPENTO group (P < 0.001). No significant differences were detected in INF-γ and MIF levels. Conclusion: Sevoflurane anesthesia reduced the inflammatory response in chronic allergic asthma.